A powerful storm is expected to make its way across the US this week, bringing a harsh winter to millions of people.

Severe flooding, wind, rain and ice are expected to mainly affect the northern US as warmer weather is expected in southern regions.

The winter storm will begin on the west coast with sunny weather California According to the National Weather Service, severe weather is expected to move north on Monday.

Northern Rockies, Nebraska, Wisconsin, North Dakota and other northern states were issued warnings to expect colder weather on Monday with potentially several inches of snow by Wednesday.

The winter storm will begin on the West Coast with sunny California gradually taking its first hit on Monday as the weather builds towards worsening conditions expected to move north

A winter storm will hit California early Monday night with heavy snow expected in the mountains and on the coast, reports Foxy weather.

Up to 10 inches of snow is forecast in some areas, including the northern Rockies.

As the storm moves northeast, the NWS is warning of low temperatures as low as 20 degrees below normal Wednesday through Friday in Southern California.

Those living on the coast and in the valley can expect a high chance of up to two inches of rain Thursday through Friday.

Winds appear to be the biggest threat in SoCal, with winds up to 70 mph in the mountains and foothills. Sunny weather is expected on Saturday.

Heavy snow is forecast for parts of Oregon, Washington and Idaho Wednesday through Friday as the NWS has issued winter storm warnings and general storm warnings.

The Midwest, including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming, is also bracing for frost with the threat of snow and ice.

According to Fox Weather, major cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, New York and Milwaukee could also see ice.

Weather conditions will begin to intensify across the rest of the upper Midwest on Wednesday

Temperatures are expected to drop across the upper Midwest later this week, especially in Minnesota, North Dakota and Idaho

The Southwest is expected to see several inches of snow as temperatures reach freezing on Wednesday and Friday

The upper Northeast, including areas around New York and New England, can expect light snow with significant ice growth.

Weather conditions in these areas are not expected to be too damaging as warmer weather is expected in southern states.

Meanwhile, the southern US region will get a break from heavy snow and ice in exchange for possible flooding, strong winds and tornadoes.

The NWS has issued flash flood advisories for several areas, including the Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley.

Sporadic areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and areas extending into Texas have been issued warnings as severe thunderstorms are expected.